PALLANTIDES (mythical sons of Pallas)
Figure of myth · mythical sons of Pallas
The Pallantides were fifty sons of Pallas who lived as citizens of Cecrops.1,2,3 They actively plotted against Theseus, resenting that he was named successor to the throne despite being an immigrant and stranger to the family.4,2 They went to war against this decision.4,2
The group had previously expected to inherit the throne after Aegeus died without children, resenting that he was only an adopted son of Pandion.4 Aegeus feared the sons of Pallas might help Minos seize his power.5 Androgeos formed a close friendship with the sons of Pallas after winning games in Athens.5
The Pallantides traveled to visit the elderly Cephalus and accompanied him to the king's residence.3 Phocus received the Pallantides at the entrance of the house and guided them into a comfortable inner room.3 Clytus and Butes, the two younger sons of Pallas, were younger in age than Cephalus.6 Clytus and Butes stood on either side of Cephalus during his arrival.6 The sons of Pallas were present in the house of Æacus.6
The Pallantidae hid at Gargettus to ambush their enemies from a second direction.7 A herald named Leos informed Theseus about the Pallantidae's ambush plans.7 Theseus killed the fifty sons of Pallas.1 The sons of Pallas were slain by Theseus.1
The codex facts behind this entry
Clytus and Butes are identified as the two younger sons of Pallas. Ovid Met. 7.469-613 (2) They are identified as citizens of Cecrops. Ovid Met. 7.661-793
In the myths
The Pallantides actively plotted against Theseus, resenting that he was named successor to the throne despite being an immigrant and stranger to the family, and they went to war against this decision. Plutarch, Theseus 13.1 +1 The Pallantides traveled to visit the elderly Cephalus and accompanied him to the king's residence. Ovid Met. 7.661-793 Phocus received the Pallantides at the entrance of the house and guided them into a comfortable inner room. Ovid Met. 7.661-793 The Pallantides previously expected to inherit the throne after Aegeus died without children and resented that Aegeus was only an adopted son of Pandion. Plutarch, Theseus 13.1 The Pallantidae hid at Gargettus to ambush their enemies from a second direction. Plutarch, Theseus 13.2 A herald named Leos informed Theseus about the Pallantidae's ambush plans. Plutarch, Theseus 13.2 Theseus killed the fifty sons of Pallas. Apollodorus, Epitome 1.11 Clytus and Butes stood on either side of Cephalus during his arrival. Ovid Met. 7.469-613 (2)
Fate
The sons of Pallas were slain by Theseus. Apollodorus, Epitome 1.11
